Generic name: mupirocin nasal [ mue-PIR-oh-sin ]
Brand name: Bactroban
Drug class: Topical antibiotics

What is mupirocin nasal?

Mupirocin is an antibiotic that treats or prevents infection caused by bacteria.

Mupirocin nasal (for use in the nose) is used to treat bacteria in the nostrils of patients and healthcare workers during an outbreak of severe staph infection within a hospital or other medical setting. This can help prevent the growth of staph bacteria in patients with a high risk of infection.

Mupirocin nasal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important Information

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use mupirocin nasal if you are allergic to mupirocin.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.

Mupirocin nasal is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

How should I use mupirocin nasal?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Nasal medicine is for use only in the nose. If this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth, rinse with water.

Wash your hands before and after applying mupirocin nasal.

Use one half of the medicine from a single-use tube in each nostril, then throw the tube away.

With the ointment in your nostrils, gently press on the sides of your nose and rub for about 1 minute to help spread the ointment inside your nose.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Mupirocin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not refrigerate.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of mupirocin nasal is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using mupirocin nasal?

Avoid getting mupirocin nasal in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse with water.

Do not use other nasal medications during treatment with mupirocin nasal unless your doctor tells you to.

Mupirocin nasal side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, skin rash; dizziness, fast or pounding heartbeats; wheezing, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• nosebleed; or

• severe itching, rash, or other irritation in your nose.

Common side effects may include:

• itching, burning, or stinging in your nose;

• runny or stuffy nose;

• altered sense of taste;

• headache;

• cough; or

• sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Mupirocin nasal dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Secondary Cutaneous Bacterial Infections:

Topical cream: Apply a small amount to the affected area 3 times a day for 10 days.

Use: For the treatment of secondarily infected traumatic skin lesions (up to 10 cm in length or 100 cm2 in area) due to susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes

Usual Adult Dose for Nasal Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus:

Nasal ointment: Apply about one-half of the tube contents into 1 nostril and the other half into the other nostril twice a day (morning and evening).
Duration of therapy: 5 days

Use: For the eradication of nasal colonization with methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) in patients and healthcare workers as part of a comprehensive infection control program to reduce risk of MRSA infection among high-risk patients during institutional outbreaks of MRSA infections

Usual Adult Dose for Impetigo:

Topical ointment: Apply a small amount to the affected area 3 times a day.

Use: For the topical treatment of impetigo due to S aureus and S pyogenes

Usual Pediatric Dose for Secondary Cutaneous Bacterial Infections:

3 months or older:
Topical cream: Apply a small amount to the affected area 3 times a day for 10 days.

Use: For the treatment of secondarily infected traumatic skin lesions (up to 10 cm in length or 100 cm2 in area) due to susceptible strains of S aureus and S pyogenes

Usual Pediatric Dose for Nasal Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus:

12 years or older:
Nasal ointment: Apply about one-half of the tube contents into 1 nostril and the other half into the other nostril twice a day (morning and evening).
Duration of therapy: 5 days

Use: For the eradication of nasal colonization with MRSA in patients and healthcare workers as part of a comprehensive infection control program to reduce risk of MRSA infection among high-risk patients during institutional outbreaks of MRSA infections

Usual Pediatric Dose for Impetigo:

2 months or older:
Topical ointment: Apply a small amount to the affected area 3 times a day.

Use: For the topical treatment of impetigo due to S aureus and S pyogenes

What other drugs will affect mupirocin nasal?

Medicine used in the nose is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I use mupirocin ointment for diaper rash?
• Can mupirocin heal or help with eczema?
• Can mupirocin be used for athletes foot?
• Can mupirocin cream be used for bed sores?

View more FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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